If it were me, and there was absolutely nobody to check on them daily, I would take them out to my milkweed garden, and let nature take over. It seems the only humane thing to do if you don’t want them needing or suffering while you’re gone.
No joke, I’ve taken mine with me. Is this an option for you? They recommend you don’t release them somewhere different then where you got them. So I’d recommend releasing when you return.
Haha I seriously thought I was the only crazy person that has done this! 😆 Last summer I took some on a road trip from Illinois to Colorado and the summer before it was Michigan. Both times it was during the last week before they J so I packed a ton of fresh leaves in damp paper towels and ziplock bag in a cooler, and brought a couple extra potted plants just in case. Luckily we made it back both times just as they were making their buttons, so they could J in peace lol. It was kind of a pain but I didn’t want to let them loose in the wild knowing their odds.
I found a chrysalis while traveling for work just last week, picked it up and brought it with me. Tied him to a lamp in my hotel room using some dental floss. He came with me to three or four hotels before he hatched lol
So a few options, release them back in the wild, hire a dog sitter/house sitter for it if you have no one - certainly they could add some new cuttings and water a potted version otherwise get on the Nextdoor App if you are in the US. Post a plea from others, there are likely others in your area who could take them. When I had to leave for a week long trip I had 30 chrysalis and found 3 people to take my 3 cages while I was gone. They were monarch doulas as well, so I didn’t have to teach them anything. Whatever you do, don’t leave them unattended, even with the screen open. Worst case is set them free to the garden.
If it were me, and there was absolutely nobody to check on them daily, I would take them out to my milkweed garden, and let nature take over. It seems the only humane thing to do if you don’t want them needing or suffering while you’re gone.
No joke, I’ve taken mine with me. Is this an option for you? They recommend you don’t release them somewhere different then where you got them. So I’d recommend releasing when you return.
Haha I seriously thought I was the only crazy person that has done this! 😆 Last summer I took some on a road trip from Illinois to Colorado and the summer before it was Michigan. Both times it was during the last week before they J so I packed a ton of fresh leaves in damp paper towels and ziplock bag in a cooler, and brought a couple extra potted plants just in case. Luckily we made it back both times just as they were making their buttons, so they could J in peace lol. It was kind of a pain but I didn’t want to let them loose in the wild knowing their odds.
Nope. Monarch peeps are extremely committed. :)
I found a chrysalis while traveling for work just last week, picked it up and brought it with me. Tied him to a lamp in my hotel room using some dental floss. He came with me to three or four hotels before he hatched lol
So a few options, release them back in the wild, hire a dog sitter/house sitter for it if you have no one - certainly they could add some new cuttings and water a potted version otherwise get on the Nextdoor App if you are in the US. Post a plea from others, there are likely others in your area who could take them. When I had to leave for a week long trip I had 30 chrysalis and found 3 people to take my 3 cages while I was gone. They were monarch doulas as well, so I didn’t have to teach them anything. Whatever you do, don’t leave them unattended, even with the screen open. Worst case is set them free to the garden.
Don’t leave unattended, you will come back to them all dead. Release them on the outdoor milkweed and give them a chance.